Very good read. This is the first book I read by Allison Hobbs and I was pleasantly surprised. Though this books is graphic, it definitely served its purpose of awareness as it pertains to sex trafficking. I have never read anything on this content matter so I was enthralled throughout the whole book. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster with the protagonist. Realistic fiction at its best! Bullet heard a lot about pimping while serving time in a penitentiary and is ready to switch trades and make big money. Before long he abducts fifteen year old Giana Strand and has his first piece of candy, Lollipop. Fellation is Lollipop's speciality because Bullet made sure to personally train her until she perfected her craft. Violence, rape, manipulation, and threats, from a front row seat we witness the destruction of Giana and the rise of Lollipop. The old Gianna seems to have completely disappeared as Stockholm syndrome kicks in. She no longer wants to escape and actually wants to have a baby by Bullet and marry him. We are already acquainted with former prostitute turned madam Saleema Sparks. She was on track to marry one of her wealthiest customers when a deathly experience and sudden wind fall in The Climax (Zane Presents) changed her path in life. Putting the bulk of that money to good use, she is now the founder of a center for troubled teen girls called Head Up. Her mission is to give guidance and a sanctuary to these teens, saving them from a future unsavory lifestyle. When a highly problematic member named Portia goes missing nobody seems to care, not even the teen's dysfunctional family. Saleema on the other hand is very passionate about getting Portia home safely, she knows all too well the type of predators out there lurking and preying on young girls. It seems we are reading two separate stories until slowly and gracefully they intertwine. Portia, now coined Bubbalicious is Bullet's third stolen piece of candy. Beaten into submission Bubbalicious learns to obey just like Lollipop and Skittles. Controlling three forced teen prostitutes against their will is more than Bullet can handle so he recruits another ex convict by the name of Flashy. This flamboyant queen is unbelievably jaw dropping with his high heels, false eyelashes, yet manly strength. He is absolutely the most colorful character Allison Hobbs has ever introduced us to. To make more money off the teens, Miss Flashy puts the girls in elaborate costumes and sets up sex auctions. Perverted child molesters competitively bid on the young girl they want to have their way with. The sex is unapologetically described in detail and will make you cringe. This novel becomes challenging to read in some places, yet impossible to tear your eyes from. Some scenes are so highly horrific it brought tears to my eyes. The author does such a great job of painting a vivid picture for the readers that at times I felt I was there with the girls. I wouldn't suggest this for those faint of heart or with a weak stomach. These remarkable characters are unforgettable, I hope we get to read more about them. Although this literature is fiction it is an eye opening reality check. I'm so glad and proud that Allison Hobbs decided to bring attention to such this major issue that I rarely hear talked about pertaining to teens in this country. This novel has definitely left it's mark on me.
What do You think about Stealing Candy (2010)?
This was alright... but a little too ghetto for me. And I'm from the ghetto.
—Nicole
I'm just starting and,as always, I'm am engulfed.
—abzie17
Gd book not too thrilled by the ending words
—Cfaz123
